Fitness for Duty Evaluation

Referral Form

Fitness for Duty

Thank you for your interest in CRW’s Fitness for Duty Evaluation (FFDE) services. We understand that these referrals are time-sensitive, we will respond within one business day. Our aim is to schedule the assessment within one week of receiving the referral, and to send the completed report within 7-14 business days following the assessment.

The fee for this type of evaluation starts at $1,750 and may vary based on the complexity of the case. Initial consultation, a written report, and brief verbal feedback (15 min) are included. Additional consultation and meetings are billed at a consultation fee of $250 per hour in 15 minute increments. Services can be expedited for an additional fee. Our evaluations are typically conducted at our office, located at 434 East Rich Street Columbus, OH 43215. Virtual evaluations are available in certain situations.

Please complete the secure Referral Form below to initiate the scheduling process. After the case is reviewed, a scheduling link will be emailed to the agency with additional information for the agency to provide to the employee.

Please email Dr. Howells directly at drhowells4@gmail.com if you would like to schedule a brief consultation about the referral prior to submitting the form.

Referral Form

FFDE Process Guide

From the initial incident to the evaluation outcome, this guide assists HR professionals and agency directors in understanding the process.

 FAQs

  • A psychological FFDE is a formal, specialized examination with the purpose of determining whether an employee is able to safely and effectively perform their job. An FFDE is considered a “medical” examination under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  • A psychological FFDE may be appropriate when there is

    1. Objective evidence that the employee may be unable to safely or effectively perform a defined job.

    2. A reasonable basis for believing that the cause may be attributable to a psychological condition or impairment.

  • A psychological FFDE is conducted by a doctoral level psychologist with specialized training and experience in forensic assessment and competence in working with law enforcement and fire service personnel. They also must have knowledge of:

    1. APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

    2. APA Professional Practice Guidelines for Occupationally Mandated Psychological Evaluations

    3. Psychological Fitness for Duty Guidelines outlined by the International Association of Chief’s of Police Psychological Services Division.

    4. Statutory and case law applicable to the employer’s jurisdiction.

  • The examining psychologist is to remain impartial, objective, and avoid undue influences by any of the parties involved in the case. A mental health clinician providing treatment to the employee is not considered impartial.

  • The referring agency should provide a detailed account of the situation that precipitated the FFDE, any documentation (emails, text messages, video) relevant to the evaluation, and a list of essential job functions.

  • The employee can be placed on administrative leave prior to and during the FFDE process. However, according to the ADA, employees can not participate in an FFDE while they are on FMLA. The employee must return from FMLA prior to the FFDE.